Alto de la Marta

# Alto de la Marta: A Mountain Pass Worth the Challenge

Tucked away in northwestern Asturias, Spain, Alto de la Marta sits at 1,105 meters (3,625 feet) and offers one heck of a wild ride. The AS364 road up this pass is no joke—we're talking seriously steep sections hitting 15-18% grades that'll have your heart racing and your brakes working overtime.

The asphalt is there, but don't expect luxury. This is narrow, hair-raising terrain where two cars passing each other is basically a game of chicken. There are stretches with no center lines and, yeah, some worrying sections with zero guard rails to catch you if things go sideways. It's a beast of a climb—deceptively brutal despite what the average gradient might suggest.

Weather-wise, you can usually tackle this year-round, but winter snow can shut things down without warning. You've got two options for the ascent. The longer route starts from Puente Polea at a grinding 27 km with 952 meters of elevation gain (3.5% average). Want something spicier? Start from Pola de Allande for a shorter but punchier 10 km push with 556 meters of gain (5.6% average).

Either way, Alto de la Marta is the kind of road that demands respect—and rewards it with an unforgettable experience in the Spanish mountains.